Thyroid disorder decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for hypothyroidism, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was previously rated at 10 percent prior to April 4, 2012 and at 30 percent from that date. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for thyroid cancer status post thyroidectomy, diabetes mellitus type II, left elbow disorder, sleep apnea, and intestinal condition due to new and material evidence having been submitted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thyroid disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active service or any presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also found no medical opinion supporting the Veteran's assertions of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; pulmonary disorder (including a pulmonary diffusion defect and emphysema); peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity; peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity; thyroid disorder (including thyroid cancer and a thyroid nodule); and skin cancer are all granted due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's lung nodules claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome and for obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete examinations and missing records. The Veteran's right foot disability, TMJ dysfunction, hypothyroidism, and TBI are all under review.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was initially evaluated as 10 percent disabling, effective April 1, 2011. The Board granted a 100 percent disability rating for the condition prior to May 8, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of the increased rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating prior to February 17, 2016.,Service connection for hypothyroidism and hypertension were both denied as there is no probative evidence showing these conditions existed before or during service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential radiation exposure during her military service, and will require further development including obtaining a dose estimate from the USH.

The Veteran's claims for white patches on skin and thyroid problems have been denied as they are not due to an undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability.,Other service connection claims, including those related to gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), throat pain, dizziness, insomnia, joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and others, have been remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperthyroidism, finding that it is not secondary to her service-connected PTSD and is otherwise unrelated to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as she had substantially gainful employment throughout the appeal period, including at a federal agency that paid her over $100,000 annually.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) and thyroid cancer have been denied. The claim for increased rating of the residuals of surgery of the fifth metatarsal of the left foot has also been denied. The Board has remanded the issues regarding entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for metastatic brain tumor, parathyroid condition, and skin cancer (melanoma) due to his conceded exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service injury or disease, including now conceded herbicide agent exposure.

Effective October 4, 2012, a 50 percent rating for anxiety disorder is granted. A 30 percent rating for hypothyroidism is granted. A 10 percent rating for residuals of TBI with intermittent dizziness is granted. A 10 percent rating for pityrosporum folliculitis is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, sleep apnea, GERD, and hypothyroidism are granted. The claim for PTSD is denied as the severity of symptoms does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle, right knee, left knee, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and thyroid conditions due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bradycardia associated with hypothyroidism. The claim for a heart disability other than bradycardia is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's thyroid condition is a congenital disease or defect, and if it existed prior to service.